Music Fiesta FAQs

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® is excited to bring back Music Fiesta™ for a fourth great year and exciting line-up!

The balloons have and always will be the shining stars at Balloon Fiesta. However, over the years we’ve welcomed some amazing musical artists who have entertained our guests when the balloons are off the field. We’ve had the honor of hosting musical guests such as the Marshall Tucker Band, Little Texas, Darius Rucker, Charlie Worsham, Sawyer Brown, David Nail, Josh Turner, Gloriana, The Band Perry, Parmalee, Chris Young, Phil Vassar, and Billy Currington.

Parking and Event Access

How do we get onto the field?

The regular traffic routes to Balloon Fiesta Park will be available from 10:00 a.m. until after the headliner begins. Please visit Directions & Maps page for more information.

How much is parking?

$15 per car, the same price as for any other Balloon Fiesta session.

Is Park & Ride available?

During Saturday morning’s Mass Ascension and Saturday evening’s Night Magic Glow, full Park & Ride service will be available.

PLEASE NOTE: During the Music Fiesta, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Park & Ride will be available ONLY at Coronado Mall and Cottonwood Mall locations.

Where is the best place to park if I don't want to stay for the Balloon Fiesta events on Saturday night?

When you arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park, you’ll be directed into select parking facilities for the Music Fiesta. We strongly encourage the use of Park & Ride if you plan to leave the Park before the Night Magic Glow begins. As is the practice for our major sessions, all available lanes of traffic will be “inbound” until after the conclusion of Night Magic Glow.

If I attend the morning Mass Ascension, can I stay for Music Fiesta?

Reserved Seating and Premier Lawn Area tickets do not include access to the morning session. Tickets for those areas of Music Fiesta will allow entry into the park beginning at 10:00 a.m. Reserved Seating and Premier Lawn areas open at noon and are valid for Saturday, October 8 only. If you would like to attend the morning session in addition to Music Fiesta, please purchase a General Admission ticket.

Can I stay for the Night Magic Glow?

Yes, your Music Fiesta ticket will also entitle you to stay for the Night Magic Glow and AfterGlow™ fireworks show, presented by Albuquerque Journal.

TBA*TICKET SALES FOR THE ULTIMATE MUSIC FIESTA PACKAGE END ON WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6, 2017.

Not Available

ABQ Dance BoxTicket required for persons of all ages.

TBA

TBA

Reserved SeatingTicket required for persons of all ages.

TBA

TBA

Premier Lawn AreaChildren 12 and under get in to the Premier Lawn Seating area for free.

TBA

TBA

General AdmissionChildren 12 and under get in to the General Admission area for free.

$10

$10

All tickets subject to up to 10% service charge.

Can we bring chairs and tents/covers to sit under?

This depends upon your ticketed seating:

Ultimate Music Fiesta Package - Chairs and tables are provided in this area. No tents, umbrellas or other shade structures are allowed. We recommend hats and sunscreen.ABQ Dance Box - This is a lawn area intended for standing and dancing only. No chairs, tents, umbrellas or other shade structures are allowed. We recommend hats and sunscreen. Reserved Seating – Chairs are provided in this area. No tents, umbrellas or other shade structures are allowed. We recommend hats and sunscreen.Premier Lawn Area– You may bring chairs into this area. No tents, umbrellas or other shade structures are allowed. We recommend hats and sunscreen.General Admission – You may bring chairs into this area. Umbrellas, canopies or shade structures of up to 10’ x 10’ are allowed.

Can I upgrade my General Admission ticket, or use a rain check from a cancellation earlier in the week?

This depends upon your ticket choice:

Ultimate Music Fiesta Package - No upgrades available. These tickets must be purchased in advance. ABQ Dance Box - No upgrades available. These tickets must be purchased in advance.Reserved Seating – If seating is available, you can upgrade your single-session admission ticket*. Cash and credit cards will be accepted at the admission gates but only credit cards can be used at seating area.Premier Lawn Area – If the Premier Lawn Area is not sold out, you can upgrade your single-session admission ticket*. Cash and credit cards will be accepted at the admission gates but only credit cards can be used at seating area.

*Only regular priced admission tickets are eligible for an upgrade. Discounted tickets or tickets that are part of another purchase (Gondola Club, RV space, etc.) are not eligible.

General Admission – No upgrade required. Your rain check may be used as a General Admission ticket.

If I already bought my ticket, can I use Park and Ride to get to Balloon Fiesta Park & Ride?

Yes. If you have already purchased a Park & Ride ticket to Saturday evening’s Night Magic glow or an admission ticket to any Balloon Fiesta session, you may combine that ticket and an additional fee for admission to the Music Fiesta.

PLEASE NOTE: During Music Fiesta, Park & Ride will only run from the Coronado Mall and Cottonwood Mall locations.

Are coolers and backpacks allowed at the park?

Yes, but they are subject to inspection upon entering the Park.

Can we bring food and drinks into the park?

Yes, but glass or alcohol is prohibited. Bags or coolers are subject to search.

Cancellations and Refunds

Will I get a partial refund if the evening glow is canceled?

No, the Music Fiesta tickets are for the music. Admission to the Night Magic glow is free with the Music Fiesta admission.